Sharing, reaching out, and educating patients, families, friends, and the community of Hospice of Southern Illinois. On our blog you will find Hospice of Southern Illinois updates, news, events, photos, and more! Join us!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

At Hospice of Southern Illinois it is our mission and goal to keep patients, families and caregivers at the heart of the circle of care and then surround them with a specialized, compassionate and multi-disciplinary team including physicians, nurses, social workers, bereavement counselors and volunteers. This team supports the center of the circle of care and works together to address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient and family. The circle of care should always keep the patient’s needs and wants first and foremost.

This special healthcare option for patients and families who are faced with a terminal illness seems like an overwhelming process, however with the support of the multi-disciplinary team and providing care to patients in their own home or a home-like setting regardless of the patient’s age or ability to pay offers comfort and relief that is often needed at the end-of-life.

Physicians, including your primary doctor and our Medical Director, play a role in the plan of care. They can either work together or independently (based on patient’s needs and wants) to determine care options, medications and equipment. Registered Nurses and hospice aides work together to provide care through regularly scheduled visits. Nurses, who specialize in end-of-life care, provide the highest quality of compassionate care to patients. Hospice aides offer assistance with everyday needs like personal care and feeding. Social workers, bereavement counselors and spiritual support offer a unique system which addresses challenges as end-of-life nears, providing stress relief to patients and families that may be associated with terminal illness and offering support before and after the death of a loved one. Last but not least, volunteers complete the circle by offering their time and talents to help patients and families. Furthermore, they assist clinical and clerical staff with various projects and care with special training.

Hopefully this helps explain the circle of care and who is involved in the hospice process. We are here to surround the patients and families with quality services, compassionate care and peace of mind. Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

On January 18th, 2012 a couple inspired a wonderful story of bringing love to the Community Hospice Home, Relais Bonne Eau. Kent and Jennelle’s inspiring story stems from Kent’s mother who was a patient of Hospice of Southern Illinois spending her final days at Relais Bonne Eau.

Kent’s mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness and he wanted for this mother to be present for his wedding day. Together, Kent and Jennelle decided to bring their wedding to their mother keeping the ceremony very warm and reserved. They could not think of a better place to bond their hearts than in the home where Mom resided.

With Mom present, this intimate ceremony celebrated the union of Kent, handsome in his black suit, and Jennelle, breathtaking in her white gown. They were married in the Relais Bonne Eau chapel, Chapelle des Eaux Apaisantes (which stands for the chapel of the soothing waters). A small reception followed the ceremony in the family room at Relais Bonne Eau where family enjoyed dinner and wedding cake.

Hospice of Southern Illinois was honored to be a part of this beautiful matrimony and help this family host a beautiful celebration of life. Although the intention of the Community Hospice Home has always been to be with patients, families and the community so no one experiences the dying process alone, Relais Bonne Eau embraced new meaning that day. Kent’s mother passed a few days after the ceremony, but now they cherish the very special moments with their mother and family.

The Community Hospice Home embraced their hearts that day sharing love and life. But with every day passing, a lasting impression of love is carried on and embraced with the memory of this family who celebrated their hearts in this Home, Relais Bonne Eau.

Relais Bonne Eau opened its doors in March of 2010 and has provided care to over 100 families. With a full-time medical director, 24-hour nursing care, certified hospice aides, social workers, counselors and trained volunteers, this multi-disciplinary team works together to address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each individual patient and family. To learn more about Hospice of Southern Illinois or Relais Bonne Eau, please visit our website http://www.hospice.org/. We invite you to schedule a tour of your Community Hospice Home. Please contact us at 1-800-233-1708.

Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message, Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Photos taken by Christine Juehne (all permission authorized by photographer and family releases have been signed). Email cjuehne@hospice.org with further questions.

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My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness! If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!